Members of United Way’s Young Philanthropists Society (YPS) joined with the Salvation Army to help many children’s Christmas wishes come true.
On December 22, YPS members distributed the collected Angel Tree gifts to the recipient families.
“I wanted to meet other people who are making a difference in the community, and I thought it was a great opportunity to meet people from other companies that are in my age range,” said Danyell Ohrn, a YPS member who works at Regions Bank.
“There are a lot of people in need in our community that have children that otherwise would not be receiving Christmas gifts,” Ohrn said. “Thanks to the Salvation Army and their Angel Tree program, many children will not have to go without for Christmas.”
The Salvation Army of Greater Birmingham helped provide gifts to around 5,800 children this holiday season with the help of more than 800 volunteers like the YPS members through their annual Angel Tree program.
Grace Anthony Harrelson was another one of around 25 YPS members helping to distribute gifts, and one of the several employees of Brasfield & Gorrie proudly representing their company.
“Brasfield & Gorrie has a long history of supporting the Salvation Army; we believe in its motto of doing the best, so I’m super thrilled to be out here doing that,” Harrelson said. “People are always looking for something to do around the holidays, so this is the perfect opportunity for that.”
The Young Philanthropists Society is a group of young professionals who give at a Leadership level of $1,000 or more to United Way. YPS members also have year round opportunities to volunteer with United Way partner agencies like the Salvation Army.
If you are looking for a way to get involved in your community, consider joining the Young Philanthropists Society.
Young Philanthropists Society staff:
Joanne Patterson jpatterson@uwca.org, 205-458-2029
Elizabeth Ragland eragland@uwca.org, 205-458-2030